Universitas Nusa Cendana (Undana) participated in the prestigious 6th Joint Working Group Japan-Indonesia and President Forum 2025 in Makassar, joining 52 Indonesian state university rectors and 32 Japanese higher education leaders to strengthen international research collaboration and innovation partnerships.
Undana Joins Japan-Indonesia University Forum to Strengthen International Research Collaboration
Key Details
The forum, hosted by Universitas Hasanuddin (Unhas) at Hotel Unhas and Convention from July 10-12, 2025, brought together university leaders from both countries under the theme “Strengthening Cooperation in Facing Global Uncertainties.” Undana Rector Prof. Dr. drh. Maxs U. E. Sanam, M.Sc., attended alongside other prominent academic leaders to explore expanded partnerships with Japanese universities and industries.
The event featured active participation from Japanese industry representatives, who shared best practices in successful research and innovation collaboration between academia and industry. A key highlight was the discussion of a planned Japan-Indonesia research consortium funded by Indonesia’s LPDP (Lembaga Pengelola Dana Pendidikan) and Japan’s MEXT (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology).
- 52 rectors from Indonesian state universities participated
- 32 senior leaders from Japanese higher education institutions attended
- New research consortium to be funded by LPDP and MEXT
- Focus areas include marine sciences, health, technology, and sustainable development
- Three-day program included high-level meetings and cultural exchanges
Quotes & Reactions
Unhas Rector Prof. Dr. Ir. Jamaluddin Jompa, M.Sc emphasized the forum’s practical impact. “We want to ensure this cooperation doesn’t stop at MoUs, but truly materializes in programs that benefit society,” he said at a press conference.
Prof. Jamaluddin stressed the importance of expanding access for Indonesian students and faculty to gain academic exchange opportunities in Japan. “We are preparing human resources ready to face global challenges, while becoming nation’s ambassadors capable of bringing Indonesia’s good name to the international arena,” he stated.
Undana Rector Prof. Maxs explained his university’s participation as opening doors for students and faculty to access international research networks. “We want Undana not only to excel regionally, but also to be able to compete and contribute globally. This forum is a golden opportunity to learn, network, and initiate collaborative projects that can bring positive impact to regional and national development,” Prof. Maxs said.
Background & Context
The annual forum represents a significant platform for Indonesian and Japanese universities to establish strategic collaborations amid global dynamics. This year’s event differed from previous iterations through increased industry participation, particularly from Japanese companies sharing successful university-industry partnership models.
Unhas positioned itself to play a larger role in building collaborations with Japanese universities, particularly in marine sciences, health, technology, and sustainable development, areas where the university already maintains partnerships requiring expansion and strengthening. The university emphasized higher education’s role as diplomatic bridges between nations, believing strong educational relationships positively impact social, cultural, and economic ties between countries long-term.
For Undana, participation in this prestigious international academic forum represents concrete steps toward realizing its vision as a globally-oriented university, particularly seeking collaborative research projects relevant to East Nusa Tenggara’s natural resource potential and community needs.
What’s Next
The second day featured parallel sessions addressing crucial topics including global environmental, social, and governance issues, with speakers from Unhas, Japanese universities, and industry providing comprehensive stakeholder perspectives. These discussions aimed to produce concrete recommendations for addressing global challenges through multidisciplinary approaches.
The forum concluded with cultural and research site visits showcasing South Sulawesi’s unique heritage and research potential. Participants visited Leang-Leang in the Maros-Pangkep Geopark area, Unhas Marine Station at Baranglompo Island, and toured Makassar city. South Sulawesi Governor Andi Sudirman Sulaiman hosted participants at a state dinner at the Governor’s Official Residence, serving as an important cultural diplomacy platform.
Undana expressed particular interest in exploring joint research potential to accelerate development in agriculture, livestock, and marine sciences, aligned with the university’s strengths. The planned research consortium represents a milestone in strengthening bilateral research collaboration, with Japan’s Ministry of Education supporting international partnerships alongside Indonesian funding agencies.
